'Superman' Li Ka-shing Urges An End To Violence

Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing on Friday waded into the ongoing anti-government protests here, calling for an end to violence and warning "the best cause can end with the worst result".

In advertisements released in several local newspapers, the retired billionaire – who is affectionately called "Superman" by locals – offered ambiguous, if not intriguing, views on the actions of the protesters and the government.

The founder of Cheung Kong Holdings released two different advertisements in both Chinese and English newspapers, under the name "a Hong Kong resident Li Ka-shing".

One of the ads has a stop sign over the term "violence". It also features the words "in the name of love, stop the anger" and "love China, love Hong Kong, love rule of law, love freedom, love inclusion, love yourself".

The other ad, published in newspapers like the pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao, features an ancient Chinese poem referring to Empress Wu Zetian – the only female monarch in China – who purged her political rivals, including her sons, as she consolidated power about 1,500 years ago during Tang dynasty.

Li had used the same poem to refer to the city when commenting on the Mong Kok riot three years ago, insisting people should stop damaging Hong Kong.

After the ads appeared in the newspapers, a spokesman for Li issued a statement saying the billionaire supports One Country, Two systems and believes people should respect and treasure it.

In the statement, Li said he never regretted investing in youngsters and urges them not to let their passion today turns to regrets tomorrow. He also said he feels the government is trying their best when they heard the loud thundering voices from the youth.

As for the use of the two adverts, Li said that's because there isn't a single way to communicate in complex times like now.

The advertisements set off immediate chatter on the internet, particularly about the origin of the ancient poem and its meaning.

Some suggest the poem was written by a son of Empress Wu who had been purged by her.

Some noted Li appeared to have spoken carefully in not trying to offend anyone.

Others say he likened Empress Wu to the Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

And there are those who were critical of the tycoon, saying he was just a selfish businessman defending his own interests.